Hewlett Packard starts UK Connect programme

But only scoops four dealers up

HP has kicked off its Connect reseller marketing programme in the HP3000 channel, but has so far managed to sign just four resellers in the UK. The Connect programme - an attempt by HP to bring all its channel branding under one roof - was launched earlier this year. The mid-range HP3000 channel, which has a small number of resellers, is the first to get to the accreditation stage. HP has signed up 37 resellers across Europe for HP Connect, which offers branding opportunities, co-op marketing funds and lead generation. But only four resellers in the UK have signed up. Riva Systems is the only UK Select and Solutions reseller to join the scheme, alongside three Select system resellers, Computing Solutions, Nike Consultants and Prestige Systems. The system resellers focus on hardware rather than applications. Alexandra Weidenmann,HP3000 channel program manager for Europe, said the vendor was looking to sign up other UK HP3000 resellers to the scheme. Partners have to demonstrate business stability and focus as well as technical and sales expertise according to HP. Weidenmann said that no UK dealers had yet been turned down from the scheme, and that applications for the scheme from UK resellers would be welcomed.